Grayson Stamped Custom Keepsake

I entered a little giveaway at in this wonderful life's blog and I won!  I was so excited about winning this giveaway.  I have wanted one of these ever since I saw Megan's. 

Thanks Megan for the awesome giveaway!

Look what I won:

Isn't it perfect?  It was made by JulieTheFish Designs

You can go to her site by clicking here!

I am very pleased and happy to be wearing it around my neck! 

This would be a perfect gift for any Mom.  So start shopping!

Mother's Day is May 9th 2010!

Thanks for all your help on my last post!  I loved reading all your opinions.  For now I am going to wait until Grayson arrives and see if we need it.

Happy Thursday!

Nap Nanny

Question for all mommies...

have you seen the Nap Nanny?

What do you think of this product?  

I am considering getting one for Grayson, but I want to know if it is worth the money?

Nap Nanny is a groundbreaking product designed by a mother to improve infant sleep.  The Nap Nanny is a portable recliner designed to help comfort and improve sleep for babies with colic, reflux, gas, colds, earaches, flu, and special needs.  The Nap Nanny has a special harness making sure baby sleeps safely and securely at a 30 degree incline. 

http://www.napnanny.com/

National Infertility Awareness Week - Our Story

Picture taken by Amie Hansen Photography

A good Blogging Friend of mine Tiffany from The Pifer's Journey asked me to write our story as part of her week long dedication to NIAW. 

Here is a brief intro to our story:

Us girls all have fairy tales, dreams, desires, wants, and plans for our future. We feel that if we make these plans that they will come true. My dreams have come true, but the timing of the dreams aren't always when I thought it would be. Let me start at the beginning. Our story began when Chad and I got married in September 26th, 2006. We spent our first year of marriage truly enjoying our marriage as a couple. It was a great first year! Towards the end of the first year Chad and I went on a 1st Year Anniversary Trip to Mexico and a month before leaving we decided to go off the pill and start trying to have a baby. We spent the next 10 months trying on our own with no success at all. I was scheduled for my yearly OBGYN appointment and we decided that we would seek additional help. I still remember that day as if it was yesterday sitting in the doctor's office telling my OBGYN that we were having problems and then our world was turned upside down.

You can go to Tiffany's blog today and read this rest of our AMAZING story!  Thanks Tiffany for allowing me to give hope to all couples facing infertility.  I will continue to pray for you and Zach that all your dreams will come true!  As well as all the SWEET couples that are facing infertility and longing to hold a baby some day! 

With love ~ Melissa

Week 36

Nine Months...WOW this is all amazing to me that in 4 weeks or less I will see and hold little G.  We are so excited for his arrival!  As I stated in my last post Chad thinks that Grayson will be born on May 5th.  I don't think he will be here until the Week of May 17th.  If you haven't voted on when you think Grayson will arrive it is on the right hand side of my blog.

Grayson almost weighs 6 pounds the size of a crenshaw melon and he is more than 18 inches long.  At our appointment last Wednesday Grayson's heartbeat was 136, my belly measured at 35 1/2 weeks, he is head down, my doctor estimated that he weighs 5 pounds, and I was 1 CM dilated.  All of this is exciting as the end is insight.  Even though I am going to MISS all the movements in my belly.  I am enjoying the last several weeks of pregnancy by taking it all in, watching my belly more, and relaxing at home with my hubby.  We have spent the last several weekends being VERY busy and now it is time to STOP and relax a bit before Grayson gets here.  We will see how that goes...Chad is not one to sit around and do much! 

Grayson's Nursery is still not complete, but at the moment there is nothing more WE can do.  Our dresser is scheduled to arrive May 15th, 2010.  Once it arrives we will finish up the final details.  The closet in the nursery is completely full and I look forward to the day when everything is organized and put in its place.  If Grayson comes before May 15th we will be okay, but I would prefer to have everything done before he arrives.  We will see what happens. 

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along:  36 Weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  15 pounds

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them. They are so comfy!

Best Moment this week:  My doctor's appointment - hearing Grayson's heartbeat and hearing the news that I am 1 CM dilated!  I also had a Prenatal Massage on Saturday (thanks to my husband) and it was AMAZING!  I highly recommend it for all pregnancy girls!

Gender: It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING! The punches, jabs, and kicks are a bit stronger and at times hurt. But it is worth it. I love feeling them and knowing that Grayson is inside of me doing well.

Food Craving:  I haven't really had any new cravings.

Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon Bears, Twizzlers, Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Bars, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy!

What I miss:  Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  The past couple of nights I have slept good. I think that I have been so busy that by the end of the day I have no problem falling sleep.

What I am looking forward to:  Relaxing and watching Grayson in my belly over the next several weeks!

Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out! However I did find out that both my sister's belly buttons did not pop out.

Symptoms:  I am still extremely tired by the end of the day and I have had stronger contractions throughout the day.  This past Friday I had them throughout the night and it was VERY uncomfortable! 

 

NEXT WEEK I will be FULL TERM... WEEK 37 here we come!

When Will...

Grayson Arrive?

That is the question in our house.  Will I be pregnant until the end of May or will Grayson come early? 

This past Wednesday I had my doctor's appointment and had my first Cervical Check.  Let me tell you it was VERY uncomfortable.  I am 1 CM dilated.  It was exciting to hear as Grayson will be here soon, but when?

Here are a few other updates from my appointment:

No weight gain - still holding strong at 15 pounds in total

Grayson's Heartbeat - 136

My Belly Measured @ 35 1/2 weeks

Grayson is around 5 pounds

I go back in 2 weeks, but until then what are your thoughts... do you think Grayson will be here early?

Chad thinks that Grayson will be born on May 5th 2010.  I think he will not be here until the week of May 17th 2010. 

I have added a POLL on the right hand side of my blog.  So if you would like please vote for which week you think Grayson will be here?  I think it will be FUN to see your answers. 
Happy Friday!

The Gift

Our dear friends Alex and Anthony gave us a wonderful Gift for Grayson.  It is a blessing for our Grayson.  We have one for his room, one for our bible, and one to read each day. 

Once Grayson's dresser arrives this will be displayed on top of his dresser.  Below is the blessing:

The Gift

Father God

After all these months of pregnancy, what will we do with this gift ~ this Grayson Konnor Stafford?  We value him and love him ~ just like You.  We'll meditate on, remember and team him Your truth ~ that You knit him together in the womb.  He is made in Your image.  He is a creator.  He creates his life with his words ~ just like You.  So we abide in ~ delight in ~ feed on Your Word and keep the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts acceptable and pleasing to You.  We will only think and speak to and about him in ways that agree with You ~ what You have already said about our baby, our Grayson ~ this child of Yours. 

After all these months of anticipation and planning, what will we do with this gift?  We'll meditate on, remember and teach him Your truth ~ that You will not ~ You will not ~ You will not leave him nor forsake him so he can boldly say that You are his Helper.  You've sent angels to protect him and help him do everything You've placed him in this earth to do.  The angels respond and obey Your voice ~ Your Word ~ coming out of our mouths.  So we will not be anxious or worry about him.  We cast his care on You because You care for him and us. 

What will we do with this gift?  We will continually thank You that he has great peace and thank You for teaching him daily.  We'll meditate on, remember and teach him Your truth ~ that he has the mind of Christ, an anointed mind.  He is quick to learn and has success in school and throughout his life.  Like Daniel, he stands for You and you bless him with skill in learning, in wisdom and in understanding.  In all matters, he is found to be ten times better than the devil's children.  He's blessed coming in and blessed going out!  He's above only and not beneath!  He's the head and not the tail!  And that blessing ~ that You bestowed on Adam, on Abraham and, thru Jesus, on Grayson and us... that blessing Makes Us Rich!

In Jesus' name, I thank You and praise You ~ Amen. 

Thanks Alex and Anthony we are blessed to have you both in our life! 

a blessing inside and out

Blessings come in many shapes,

In sizes large and small,

But a brand new little baby

is the sweetest of them all!

All photos taken by Amie Hansen Photography!

Week 35

Today I am 35 weeks and 1 day pregnant...what a great feeling!

I can't believe in 34 days I will FINALLY be a mommy!

All I can say is that I feel blessed and happy! 

I have the best support system of family and friends around me that I could not ask for more! 

My hubby Chad has been amazing!

This past weekend I had my baby shower and it was amazing.  It was more then I imagined and all the details were perfect.  If you missed the pictures click here!  We got some wonderful gifts and it was funny because we got three Diaper Genies.  I guess people thought we needed three.  Oh well we did end up taking our extra ones back.  Once we got home and unpacked the car with all the gifts I felt a bit overwhelmed with what to do with everything.  My dresser is not scheduled to be here until May 15th and Grayson's closet is completely full!  But thanks to my sisters and my mom they helped organize everything for me so I some what know where stuff is at.  We also cleaned Grayson's clothes and determined what I still needed to purchase.  They also helped me prepare both our hospital bags.  After spending Sunday shopping with my sister Jessyca, my mom, and Chad I am feeling much more prepared for Grayson.  We stocked up on diapers and wipes and organized the kitchen and bathroom.  Now all that is left is to get the dresser and finish up Grayson's room.  It will be a great feeling once his dresser is here!  Thanks Mom, Jessyca, Amie, and Chad for all your help this past weekend!  I love you!

Grayson is 18 inches long and is 5 pounds, the size of a honeydew.  His kicks are getting stronger and when he moves my entire belly moves.  It is so fun and exciting to watch!

Pregnancy Highlights:

 How Far Along: 35 weeks and 1 day

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 15 pounds (I will have an update tomorrow)

Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them. They are so comfy!

Best Moment this week:  My maternity photo shoot with Amie Hansen Photography and my baby shower this past Saturday!

Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING! The punches, jabs, and kicks are a bit stronger and at times hurt. But it is worth it. I love feeling them and knowing that Grayson is inside of me doing well.

Food Craving:  I haven't really had any new cravings.

Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, Cinnamon Bears, Twizzlers, Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Bars, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy!

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  The past couple of nights I have slept good.  I think that I have been so busy that by the end of the day I have no problem falling sleep. 

What I am looking forward to:  My doctor's appointment tomorrow

Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out!  However I did find out that both my sister's belly buttons did not pop out. 
Symptoms: Tired and Braxton Hicks contractions

Grayson's Baby Shower

The day finally arrived and we were blessed with a WONDERFUL and BEAUTIFUL baby shower for our Grayson!

Here is a few pictures of our special day!
Thank you to all my AMAZING friends for all that you did!  It was beautiful in every way!

 

So In Love!

I am in LOVE with the maternity photos that I had taken today!

Here is a Sneek Peek...

What Matters, What Doesn't

Last week on Facebook our church informed all of us that our pastor was planning on discussing What Matters, What Doesn't and I was looking forward to the sermon on Sunday to see what key highlights I could walk away with and apply in my life.  I loved the sermon so much that I thought that I would share my highlights.

What Matters, What Doesn't?

Did you know that a lot of the little things in life don't matter?

Life is about seeing how God provides and cares about you!

Life is about what you are pursuing!

What you invest in heaven matters and what you value on this earth does not!

Serving God matters, serving money does not!

God providing for you matters while seeking food, drink, and clothing does not!

Faith matters, worry does not!  (this is one I really need to work on)

Today matters, tomorrow does not!

(Don't worry about tomorrow)

Each day has enough trouble of its own - Matthew 7:34

What Matters the Most

The condition of your HEART: whatever your HEART is into is what you value in life.

I love the above statement!  This is going to be my area of focus over the next several months. 

The Kingdom of God and his righteousness: seeking this will result in all your needs being met in your life. 

Whose Kingdom are you seeking?  Money?  Career?  Family?  Sports?  Personal Empire?  All About Me?  We all should be seeking the KINGDOM OF GOD!

However many of us have to experience a tradegy in life to learn what matters.  So lets stop this cycle and consider what matters in life and know that everything we have today we cannot take with us to Heaven. 

Our pastor asked us this question on Sunday and I thought it was great!

What is it going to take for you to come to the place in your life to really learn what matters and what doesn't? 

Week 34

HAPPY WEEK 34 TO GRAYSON AND I!

I think this week is going to be WONDERFUL!  We have family and friends coming into town and I can't wait to spend time with them.  The best part is the weather here in NWA is going to be beautiful!  It feels and looks like SPRING and I love it.

Just as much as I love my growing belly!

Grayson is probably around 4 pounds this week (the size of a cantaloupe).  Last week at our appointment Dr. H said that he is probably around 3 1/2 pounds.  He is almost at 18 inches in length too.  It will be interesting to see how big Grayson ends up being.

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along: 34 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 15 pounds

Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them. They are so comfy!

Best Moment this week:  Getting through our childbirth classes

Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!

Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING! The punches, jabs, and kicks are a bit stronger and at times hurt. But it is worth it. I love feeling them and knowing that Grayson is inside of me doing well.

Food Craving:  I haven't really had any new cravings. 

Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Bars, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears and Twizzlers

What I miss: Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!

Sleep:  The past several nights I have not slept great.  I wake up a lot to go to the bathroom, then I find it hard to go back to sleep and if I move our dog Bella gets up.  I feel like I tell her three or four times throughout the night to go and lay on her pillow.  I also have had a lot of Braxton Hicks contractions that wake me up.  The lack of sleep is preparing me for when Grayson gets here so that is okay. 

What I am looking forward to:  I am looking forward to a lot of things this week.  First my family is coming for a visit from South Dakota and Montana.  Second I am having my maternity photos taken by Amie Hansen Photography.  Finally at the end of the week more family and friends are coming into town and we are having our baby shower.  It will be a busy week, but I love it!

Belly Button: In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out!

Symptoms:  Tired, Braxton Hicks contractions, and lack of sleep!

I Have Been Away

Sorry I haven't written a blog post in a few days.  I have had a busy week and I have managed to catch a cold.  I feel terrible and need rest.  But the many trips to the bathroom at night keep me up at night.  I really hope that I can get over this cold before next week.  I have a full week of work and family and friends are coming into town.  Which is SO EXCITING!  I can't wait! 

Here are a few updates from this week:

1.  I had my Week 33 appointment on Tuesday and it went great.  Dr. H said that I am ALL belly!  Grayson's heartbeat was 144 and she is pretty sure he is head down.  I gained four pounds since my last appointment three weeks ago.  That brings me to 15 pounds gained.  My belly measured at 33 weeks and my next appointment will be in two weeks.  At that appointment I will have the Strep B Test, my Cervix will be checked, and they will check by ultrasound to see if Grayson is head down.  It was a great appointment and I feel blessed to be 33 weeks pregnant! 

2.   Chad spent the long Easter weekend working in the yard and getting it ready for the spring/summer season.  It is beautiful and I just love seeing the flowers and green grass.

3.  On Monday I received a package for Grayson from a sweet blog reader.  It was a wonderful surprise and I love all the little things we got for Grayson.  Ashley from GA you are too sweet and I appreciate all the goodies.  Thanks for reading my blog and caring about my little family!

4.  This past weekend I saw these pendant lights at Lowes that I loved and so I asked Chad if he could install them for me in our kitchen.  It was a BIG task and I feel blessed to have a caring and sweet husband that did not give up until they were complete.  What do you think?

5.  The BEST news of the week.  Our prayers have been answered and Chad has gotten a new job at Walmart.  We are blessed and appreciate all your prayers over the past few months.  

Congrats to my hubby I am so proud of you!

This weekend Chad and I have our Childbirth Classes and I am interested to see how it goes and what we learn and walk away with.  Will it be beneficial or will we be scared about childbirth after taking the classes?  I will let you know next week how it goes.  

All Mommy's that live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota area my sister Amie is doing a Mommy and Me Session.  So if you are interested in getting photos with your babies or kids she would love to capture a few moments for your family.  You can go to her photography blog and get the complete details by clicking here.  I love the pictures she takes and I look forward to having her here next week to take my maternity photos.  

Have a great Friday and a Blessed Weekend!  

Week 33

Today I am 33 Weeks Pregnant!  

My belly has grown so much over the past two weeks.  It is amazing!  My belly is so tight and hard that I feel like I am going to POP!  It will be interesting to see how my belly grows over the next several weeks.  

As I write this post this week it reminds me of last April 2009.  It tough month for Chad and I as we completed our 1st round of IVF and at the end of the month found out that the cycle failed and we were not pregnant.  I never would have thought a year later that I would be 33 weeks pregnant and about to embark on motherhood.    

I am so appreciative for the last 33 weeks and I am so excited for the next 7 weeks.

God is GOOD!

Grayson is reaching 4 pounds this week and has passed the 17 inch mark in length.  He is as big as a Honeydew.  

Pregnancy Highlights:

How Far Along:  33 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss:  11 pounds - I am sure I have gained more weight I have an appointment tomorrow!
Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing my maternity jeans and loving them. They are so comfy!
Best Moment this week:  Easter and Enjoying all the blessings that God has given me!
Gender:  It's A Boy - Grayson Konnor!
Movement:  Yes it is AMAZING!  The punches, jabs, and kicks are a bit stronger and at times hurt.  But it is worth it.  I love feeling them and knowing that Grayson is inside of me doing well.  
Food Craving:  Honey Nut Cheerios, Dark Chocolate, Zone Perfect Dark Chocolate Bars, and Chocolate Muffins from a local bakery in Bentonville. They are so Yummy! New Craving: Cinnamon Bears and Twizzlers
What I miss:  Sleeping on my belly and sleeping through the night!
Sleep:  I am not sleeping well as my mind is going all night long and I have been having many dreams that wake me up during the night.  Plus all the trips to go to the bathroom.   
What I am looking forward to:  My doctor's appointment tomorrow and our Childbirth Classes this weekend.  
Belly Button:  In for now, but it looks like it is going to POP out! 
Symptoms:  Just tired by 9PM I am ready for bed and Braxton Hicks contractions especially when I do too much!


If you didn't see it yet... check out the right hand side of my blog.  I have a new picture of Grayson Konnor! 

Hippity Hoppity Happy Easter

Happy Easter!

It is a beautiful Easter Sunday here!  The sun is shining!

We went to Easter Service last night and it was Beautiful and a wonderful reminder of the gift we have received from God.  I truly feel blessed to have such a wonderful church family.  We have met some wonderful people at our church that will always be in our lives.  The music and the message from our pastor was AMAZING!  After church we went to dinner with the Jolliff, the Linam, and the Smith Family.  These people are like family to us and spending time with them is always great and each of them are such great role models for Chad and I.  

On this Easter Sunday Chad is doing his honey to do list.  He has worked so hard to get everything ready for our upcoming company in the next two weeks and before Grayson arrives.  I appreciate all that he is doing.  He has re-mulched our entire yard that is landscaped, mowed the lawn, he currently is painting our pergola, and later this afternoon we are planting flowers.  I am spending the day doing laundry and cleaning around the house.  Tomorrow I have the day off and I have a few errands to run and then I am relaxing.  Tuesday I have a baby doctor's appointment and after that my busy week begins with TONS of work to do for WORK!  My week will end with Childbirthing Classes on Friday and Saturday.  But it will be all worth it because the following week I have some great company coming to see us.  I am so EXCITED! 

I almost forgot to share with all of you... the glider for Grayson's nursery arrived on Friday.  It is everything I wanted and I can't wait to rock Grayson in it.  Now we are just waiting for the dresser to arrive.  

I hope all of you have a Happy Easter! 

HAPPY APRIL 1ST 2010

HAPPY APRIL 1ST 2010

Not only is it April Fool's Day but it is our 4th engagement anniversery! 

Yes Chad proposed to me on April Fool's Day!

I have some great photos from that day, but my computer that I had those pictures on crashed last week.  The good news is our IT guy at work was able to restore the hard drive.  So once I get it back I plan to back up my pictures else where. 

I don't know if I shared the story have how Chad proposed to me on my blog so I will catch all of you up today. 

I would have never guessed that Chad would pick a day like April Fool's Day to propose to me.  But I guess he wanted to have a day that he would not forget.  The day was a Saturday and Chad and I planned to go on a picnic at Tanyard Creek in Bella Vista, AR.  It is a beautiful park that has walking trails and a beautiful waterfall.  We had sandwiches and enjoyed the sunny afternoon.  That is until a HUGE storm blew in!  We finished up lunch and I insisted that we go home as it was going to start to rain, but Chad insisted that we go on a walk and see the waterfalls.  At this point it was not raining, but as we approached the waterfall it started to sprinkle.  All I remember is Chad quickly asking me to marry him as the rain started pouring on us.  OF course I said YES!  Chad brought the camera and we took a few pictures to remember the day and we ran back to the car.  By the time we got back to the car we were both wet from head to toe!  But it was totally worth it. 

Later that evening we celebrated at one of our favorite restaurants Copelands.  The best part was sharing the news with everyone.  Each person we called thought we were joking because it was in fact April Fool's Day! 

Happy 4th Engagement Anniversery to My Hubby Chad! 

I love you!!!!!

Does anyone else have something special that happened to them on April Fool's Day? 

Sidenote:  I have a new picture of Grayson on the sidebar of my blog!